The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 240

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 240: Parent/Teacher Conference**

**Judy’s POV**

I could hardly wrap my mind around the fact that I had actually consented to this. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I wore a frown that mirrored the uncertainty swirling in my chest. The business suit I had chosen, a tailored piece that belonged to my mother, seemed to add years to my appearance, making me feel like I was playing dress-up in someone else’s life. Matt had been right when he jokingly suggested I could easily pass for his mother. Just a fleeting moment of doubt had crossed my mind, the nagging fear that perhaps I was too young for this role. Would the teachers see through my facade? But those worries dissipated as I slipped into the familiar fabric of my mother’s attire, the scent of her perfume lingering faintly in the fibers.

I cast a glance at the clock on the wall and let out a heavy sigh; time was slipping away. My Uber would be arriving any minute to whisk me off to Matt’s school. A wave of anxiety washed over me as I realized I hadn’t even bothered to ask Matt what had landed him in trouble. What was I thinking? I should have prepared myself, should have known what to say. But I had to embody the essence of a concerned parent; I needed to channel my anger and deliver a stern lecture.

Running my fingers through my hair, I contemplated whether a low ponytail might present a more polished image than leaving my hair down. I felt a lump form in my throat, a mixture of nerves and uncertainty. No, I decided, if I couldn’t convincingly play the role of his mother, perhaps I could resort to a different strategy—one that Nan would undoubtedly recommend if she knew about my day.

The sharp honking of the car horn outside jolted me from my thoughts. I inhaled deeply, stealing one last look at my reflection. Satisfied with the way I looked, I grabbed my purse from the bed, slung it over my shoulder, and hurried out of my room.

To my surprise, my mother was in the living room when I descended the stairs. Even more astonishing was the sight of her sipping coffee, a rare occurrence lately. Her eyes lit up when she spotted me, and she gestured toward the kitchen with a nod of her head.

“I brewed some coffee if you’d like some,” she offered, her voice warm yet tinged with a hint of pride.

“You brewed it yourself?” I asked, my eyebrows arching in disbelief.

She raised her brows in response, a look that said, “Of course, I can.”

“I’m capable of brewing coffee, Judy,” she replied flatly, a hint of sass creeping into her tone.

I blinked, momentarily taken aback.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Mom. I just thought you haven’t really been up to much lately,” I explained, my voice softening. “It’s nice to see you out of bed.”

“I figured it was about time I started making some changes in my life,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee. “I can’t do that if I’m stuck in my room all day, can I?”

A smile broke across my face as I walked around the couch to embrace her. As I wrapped my arms around her, I felt her body stiffen for just a moment before she relaxed into the hug, resting her head on my shoulder.

Then she pulled back slightly, her expression turning serious.

“Are you wearing my clothes?” she inquired, a frown creasing her brow.

I swallowed hard, letting out an awkward laugh.

“I have an interview,” I fibbed, hoping to sidestep any further questions. “I needed something professional.”

“Would this job pay well?” she probed, her curiosity piqued.

I nodded, my heart racing.

“Maybe even enough to pay off Dad’s debt,” I added, watching as her face brightened at the prospect.

“I have a meeting with his lawyers today to discuss some options they may have found,” she said, her excitement palpable. “I’ll keep you posted on what I find out.”

“I’ll be home a little later, and we can talk then,” I assured her, feeling a mix of hope and dread.

The honking outside grew more insistent, and I knew I had to leave or risk the Uber driver abandoning me.

“I have to go,” I said, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, Judy,” she replied thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on me as I dashed out the door.

I hopped into the backseat of the Uber, the ride to the school enveloped in an uncomfortable silence. As we pulled up to the school, my anxiety surged, a knot tightening in my stomach. I thanked the driver and stepped out, forcing myself to take a deep breath before entering the building.

As I walked through the school, the usually bustling halls were eerily quiet, most students likely absorbed in their classes. I made my way to the main office, which was conveniently located near the entrance. The receptionist, a young blonde woman with a distracted demeanor, was furiously typing away on her computer, barely acknowledging my presence.

Clearing my throat a couple of times, I finally caught her attention. She sighed, lifting her gaze to meet mine, her perfectly manicured brows arching in question.

“Can I help you?” she asked, her voice dripping with indifference.

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